Media & Entertainment: Film & Television
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7667 5000About
Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Our strong reputation is built on delivering commercial and practical legal advice to those working in the media and entertainment industries. With over 60 years’ experience in media and entertainment law, we remain dedicated to being the best in this field. Being at the forefront of the latest industry developments and trends, we understand the challenges and opportunities that clients face. Our clients benefit from strong legal expertise delivered with industry insight and a commercial approach. Even when advising on the most innovative ideas, we find the clear way forward and provide practical legal solutions.
Chambers Review
Harbottle & Lewis provides outstanding strength in media and entertainment, with impressive expertise within the video games, film, TV, music and theatre sectors. The firm is widely regarded as a destination firm for publishing clients, offering expertise in commercial and IP matters. The team is experienced in representing major multinational studios and production companies from the gaming and film spaces throughout development. The firm also demonstrates additional strength in growth areas such as virtual and augmented reality, e-sports and online platforms.
Work Highlights
- Harbottle & Lewis advised Hachette on a range of commercial and IP matters.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have sector-specific expertise while retaining the strength-in-depth of a full-service law firm. The partners are very strong and contactable, and the associates are sharp and motivated."
"The team always provides robust, clear and swift advice."
"I have complete confidence in Harbottle in handling complex and multi-jurisdictional matters. Requests are always acknowledged quickly and deadlines met, even when dealing with very tight timescales."
"The team are user-friendly. They keep correspondence simple, and terminology clear and concise. The team always give us confidence as to a positive outcome."
"Their wealth of experience stands out; they've normally done it or seen it before. They also explain complex matters in a down-to-earth, clear manner."
"They have sector-specific expertise while retaining the strength-in-depth of a full-service law firm. The partners are very strong and contactable, and the associates are sharp and motivated."
"The team always provides robust, clear and swift advice."
"I have complete confidence in Harbottle in handling complex and multi-jurisdictional matters. Requests are always acknowledged quickly and deadlines met, even when dealing with very tight timescales."
"The team are user-friendly. They keep correspondence simple, and terminology clear and concise. The team always give us confidence as to a positive outcome."
"Their wealth of experience stands out; they've normally done it or seen it before. They also explain complex matters in a down-to-earth, clear manner."
Notable Practitioners
Kieran Jay is head of the music group at Harbottle & Lewis. He advises artists, producers and songwriters as well as independent management, publishing and record labels on all manner of commercial arrangements.
"I envy Kieran's client list."
Mark Phillips is dedicated to video games, and acts for many leading studios and publishers on all manner of commercial matters. He also has expertise advising on corporate transactions, including the acquisition and sale of businesses and investment agreements.
"Mark is always several steps ahead of the other side. He can see where things will go and plans for them."
Neil Adleman is a doyen of the theatre business, having worked on the finance, production and transfer of many of the best-loved productions to hit the West End. His practice also has an international element to it as he is often involved with Broadway shows in the USA.
"Neil responds promptly with clear and concise advice. He knows the industry and has a wealth of experience."
"Neil has a brilliant reputation."
Shireen Peermohamed advises leading publishing houses on all manner of commercial agreements, IP matters and online brand protection. She focuses her practice on dispute resolution, including trade mark infringement cases and contractual disputes.
"Shireen's input has made a big difference to our business."
"Shireen is terrific."
Kostyantyn Lobov is recognised for his expertise in the regulatory and intellectual property aspects of media content creation, with particular regard to games and interactive media, as well as traditional and online advertising.
"He came highly recommended and did not disappoint. I’ll be working with him wherever he goes."
"Kosta is very integrated in the gaming sector, which really helps with advice and planning ahead."
"Kostyantyn is a really strong commercial IP and advertising lawyer. He knows the video games industry so well because he himself is a gamer and so has a passion for the industry."
Sarah Lazarides acts as production counsel to creatives, rights holders, Hollywood studios, SVOD platforms and UK indies. She is well versed in advising clients on production contracts, financing arrangements and IP clearance issues.
"I think Sarah is the best in the business. She is quick, personable, super-sharp and really understands how the industry works."
Abigail Payne acts for clients on all sides of the film and television industry on production, finance and also rights arrangements. She has recently helped multiple publishers and literary estates with respect to book adaptations.
"Abigail is incredibly professional and always takes the kind and friendly approach."
Sacha Wilson is head of the firm's advertising team. He is well regarded for his experience advising on all commercial aspects of online advertising and adtech, and associated regulatory compliance and data privacy considerations.
"Sacha is an excellent commercial lawyer. I always find him to be very pragmatic in approach."
"Sacha is a true trusted adviser and is highly engaged in supporting the business."
"Sacha is a fantastic person to work with. He is quick, responsive when needed and has great knowledge of the industry."
"Sacha is an excellent lawyer. He is very responsive, very approachable, explains things well, and understands the needs of me and my company."
Jonathan Berger is acknowledged for his wide-ranging film and television practice. He regularly advises financiers, broadcasters, distributors, Hollywood and independent producers, and SVOD platforms on all aspects of feature production and finance.
"Jonathan is the lead supporting our business. There is no better."
Harry Bresslaw represents leading producers and rights holders, as well as a number of emerging independent producers.
"Harry is friendly, efficient and clear, always with solid advice."
"Harry has a good manner with clients and good technical knowledge."
Zoey Forbes advises clients on an array of matters, including publishing agreements and cross-media rights acquisitions. She has particular expertise in copyright law.
"Zoey is great to work with. She crunched the complexities of our partnership agreements to provide clear and balanced practical advice."
"Zoey's work has been outstanding. She has an amazing attention to detail and she has taken the time to learn about our business and our future plans."
Ranked Lawyers at
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Industries
Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Advertising & Sponsorship
Film & Television
Interactive Entertainment
Music
Publishing
Technology
Theatre